So… you’ve graduated in Manitoba, and now you’re asking yourself: “How do I make this province my permanent home?” Enter the International Education Stream (IES).
Manitoba designed it for grads like you — people who studied, lived, and thrived here. And honestly? It’s one of the fastest ways to get a Permanent Residency (PR) nomination.
There are three main pathways:
- Career Employment Pathway (CEP): Got a full-time job in an in-demand field? This one’s for you.
- Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP): Did a Mitacs internship during your Master’s or PhD? You might qualify.
- International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP): Got a business idea? Manitoba wants entrepreneurs too.
Each path targets a slightly different profile — your background, your goals, your ambitions. The trick is picking the one that fits you.
IES at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot — sometimes a table just makes it easier to see what fits:
|
Pathway |
Who It’s For |
Key Requirements |
|
CEP |
Grads with a job offer in an in-demand field |
Full-time, long-term job aligned with your studies |
|
GIP |
Master’s/PhD grads with Mitacs internship |
Completed Mitacs Elevate/Accelerate internship |
|
ISEP |
Grads with a business idea |
Operate a Manitoba business (51%+ ownership) under a Business Performance Agreement |
Pro tip: Don’t just pick the “fastest” option. Think about where you realistically fit — that’s what makes your profile strong.
Quick Eligibility Check
Before you jump in, make sure you tick these boxes:
- Studied in Manitoba: Yep, this is Manitoba-only. Sorry, other provinces don’t count.
- Language: Usually CLB/NCLC 7 for CEP and GIP.
- Job or Business Requirements:
- CEP: Full-time, long-term job in your field.
- GIP: Completed Mitacs internship with an eligible Manitoba host.
- ISEP: Operate a qualifying business with 51%+ ownership under a signed BPA.
CEP: Career Employment Pathway
This is the classic route — you studied here, found a job, and want to stay.
Requirements:
- Graduated in the past 3 years.
- Program of at least one academic year.
- CLB/NCLC 7 language score.
- Full-time, long-term job in an in-demand occupation linked to your program.
Quick note: Always double-check the In-Demand Occupations list. Some roles look eligible but aren’t.
GIP: Graduate Internship Pathway
Did a Mitacs internship during your Master’s or PhD? Here’s where it pays off.
Requirements:
- Graduation in the last 3 years.
- CLB/NCLC 7.
- Completion of a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with an eligible host.
Think of this as leveraging your research experience — it’s your ticket to a faster PR process.
ISEP: Entrepreneurial Route
Got a business idea and some grit? Manitoba’s ISEP can get you PR if you build and run your business properly.
Caps & Basics:
- Up to 20 nominations a year.
- Age: 21–35.
- Open or Post-Graduation Work Permit holder.
- Continuous residence in Manitoba since graduation.
- Operate the business ≥6 months with 51%+ ownership under a signed Business Performance Agreement.
- No deposit needed.
Heads up: Manitoba wants proof you’re actually running a real business — not just a “paper company.” Keep detailed records.
How Invitations Work
IES doesn’t always follow the usual EOI scoring. Instead:
- Submit your profile stating you meet IES criteria.
- Draws happen specifically for IES.
- Often, they send Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) instead of points-based invitations.
Timing + eligibility usually matters more than just points here.
Documents: What You’ll Need
Gather everything early — it’ll save you headaches later.
Common:
- Passport & status documents
- Valid language test
- Manitoba transcripts/credentials
- Proof of residency or intent
- Settlement funds (if required)
CEP: Job offer & NOC-aligned duties
GIP: Mitacs agreement/letters
ISEP: Business plan, BPA, ownership proof, financials
Tips to Smooth the Process
- Apply while language test results are still valid.
- Make sure your job offer aligns with your program & NOC (CEP).
- Line up employer letters early — sometimes it takes weeks.
- ISEP: track day-to-day business operations, revenue, and activity.
Common Pitfalls
Even solid profiles get rejected. Avoid these:
- Studied outside Manitoba
- CEP job not in-demand or mismatched
- Missing Mitacs proof (GIP)
- ISEP business not following BPA terms
- Expired test results
- Unclear intent to stay in Manitoba
Conclusion
- Pick the right pathway — CEP, GIP, or ISEP. Make it match your profile.
- Double-check eligibility — nothing worse than prepping for a route you can’t take.
Manitoba wants grads ready to contribute. Show them that, and your PR journey can be faster than you thought.
